So the DNC just sent me this letter asking for money...

[Reader Rabbit]

...and this was my reply:




I also let them know that they can't count on teacher support until they start supporting us:

[Warpy]

1. I tell them my money only goes to places I think it will do some good

and supporting Blue Dogs anywhere in the country does me absolutely no good.

The crack about drug testing was great, though.

[SharonAnn]

9. Actually, supporting Blue Dogs can do some good. It depends on several things

If the only electable alternative to a Blue Dog is a Republican, then a Blue Dog is a better choice. At least that's an additional Democrat in Congress when the numbers are tallied to determine the majority party. If the Democratic Party is the majority, then at least their issues create the agenda and they're not shut out of the legislative process.

If, however, there is a more liberal Democrat as an electable alternative, then the liberal Democrat is the better choice. Not only is that additional Democrat part of the count to determine the majority party, but the liberal Democrat will push for, support, and vote for better legislation.

So, I'll accept Blue Dogs as part of the 5- state strategy when the only electable alternative is a Republican. And I'll support electable liberal Democrats wherever in the country I can find them.

[Warpy]

11. I give money to opponents of blue dogs in primaries

In the general, my money only goes to progressives.

I'm not made of money and I target it where it will do the most good.

In the general election, I'll vote for a pro choice blue dog but I won't contribute to any of them. Blue dogs serve only themselves.

[12AngryBorneoWildmen]

84. Me Too.

And I'm really proud of Donna Edwards smoking that ultra BlueDog-whatshisname.

[Stellar]

105. NOOOOOO, to blue dogs, period!

They are no better then a Republican...maybe worse.

[daleanime]

108. I think their worse...

because once you've accepted that blue dog, you've totally eliminated any chance to get some one more progressive.

[russspeakeasy]

110. How do you tell them apart?

They pander to the side that looks like they will contribute.

[Ken Burch]

78. In the Senate, Blue Dogs turned out to be useless.

None of them backed the party on anything that mattered.

It would be different if they left it at voting "no" on final passage.

But they betrayed the party by backing filibusters on all the important stuff.

[bvar22]

132. And once that Blue Dog is entrenched in that seat,

it is impossible to get them out.
It is easier to oust a Republican than a Blue Dog.
The Blue Dogs enjoy the full support of the White House and full funding from the DNC/DCCC/DSCC.

Witness the White House support for Anti-LABOR/Pro-WAR/ "Laugh about killing the Public Option" Blanche Lincoln in the recent Democratic Primary.

[Dr.Phool]

2. LOL! That's almost word for word that I sent back to the DCCC.

Along with a nice little harshly worded letter.

[CLANG]

71. I think the DNC, DCCC, and DSCC should be snubbed by all progressives.

Give directly to those candidates you really want to be elected, and stop feeding the establishment vultures.

[daleanime]

94. I have to agree.

nt

[caraher]

113. That was my phone message

I sent back the written version before Gibbs put his foot down his throat. On that, I griped that their issue survey was crap - not a peep about the environment (hello? climate change?)

[progressoid]

3. I haven't gotten one of those recently.

I did something similar a few months ago.

Feels great, but I wonder if they actually read them or just chuck them in the trash if there isn't a donation attached. :shrug:

[ProSense]

4. Cool,

you opted out. Now after the next election, even if the Republicans don't win, you can't even complain to the Democrats you had no hand in helping to elect.

If the Republicans do win, so be it.

[Fumesucker]

7. Yes, it will be all the fault of the voters if the Republicans win..

Democratic politicians are responsible for nothing and have no power whatsoever, all power and responsibility is with the mighty voters.

:eyes:

[northzax]

124. of course it's the fault of the voters

they are the ones voting, right?

[Fumesucker]

129. And the way voters vote is totally uninfluenced by what the politicians do, right?

Apparently you agree that Democratic politicians bear no responsibility for and have no power over events whatsoever.

[WillyT]

8. LOL... So Now, Not Sending Money Is Opting Out ???

There gonna be LOTS of opting out, coming very soon.

OTOH - Sending them a message to wake-the-fuck-up and kick some Republican Ass before I give up on the entire system, is a message that needs saying... don't you think?

:shrug:

[ProSense]

10. No, staying home is opting out.

Did you read the OP?

[WillyT]

14. Sure... It Says...

My question for you is, why would YOU want to support any Democrat who shits on teachers and unions?

They are a natural part of the Democratic Party's base.

You shit on the base, you get less support.

Politics 101

:shrug:

[ProSense]

26. "My question for you is, why would YOU want to support any Democrat who shits on teachers and unions

My question to you: Who are you talking about?

[WillyT]

35. Now You're Just Playing Games...

Or really bad at logic.

Whatever...

:shrug:

[ProSense]

36. Why can't you answer the question? n/t

[WillyT]

49. You See... The OP Stated Quite Clearly...

For which you criticized the OP for "opting out":

you opted out. Now after the next election, even if the Republicans don't win, you can't even complain to the Democrats you had no hand in helping to elect.

I thought you were saying not sending money was "opting out" and you set me straight:

No, staying home is opting out.

So then, I asked (perhaps inartfully):

My question for you is, why would YOU want to support any Democrat who shits on teachers and unions?

IOW - IF you felt that a Democratic Candidate had shit on teachers and unions, would you still come out of your home and vote for him/her?

Cause that's how you made it sound, so yeah, the question was directed at you.

:shrug:

[bkozumplik]

72. I'm with you willeyt

dont let prosense and raineyb's constant incessant pom pomming get you down.

And you're a citizen, dont let anyone tell you that you dont have a right to speak your mind or participate or not participate in any way you see fit in the political process. We need to put pressure on our leadership to do the right things, because often they don't have the stones to do it themselves. Power always corrupts.

Sometimes that means some tough love to get them back on track.

Raineyb and prosense would have us never ask for any new promises from them, just be happy they arent repubs. Thats weak weak weak sauce. But if they want to bend over and take it like that, thats their problem.

[Raineyb]

92. Excuse me Bkozumplik, if you're going to call my name, at least my bloody position correct.

I do not nor have I EVER advocated voting for anyone just because they claim to be a Democrat. I do NOT buy into the party's sense of entitlement that I owe them my vote when they don't govern in a way that prioritizes people over corporations, use back door tactics to union bust, when they spit on people by calling them the "professional left" in order to marginalize what they want, and when they kow-tow to the right wing to do it. You obviously haven't read a blasted thing I've written if you think I align myself with the likes of Prosense and others who spout such nonsense.

I would appreciate it if you would not slander me by putting me in the same category as Prosense. I am not, nor have I ever been a fucking sycophant. I do not fucking pom-pom for any damn body.

[Dr.Phool]

120. There's a good antidote for ProSense.

It's called "ignore". Threads move much smoother with it.

[Jax]

122. Busted!

Great question WillyT, you will NEVER get an answer.

Busted, that was great, and really easy too isn't it?

[lenegal]

96. Totally agree

nt

[Raineyb]

24. In a democracy, one does not vote with dollars. Your attitude certainly explains your ignorance

on the subject.

[ProSense]

27. Who said one votes with dollars?

Speaking of ignorance.

[Raineyb]

31. You did. Not sending money is not opting out.

Reading is fundamental.

[ProSense]

32. No, I

did not:



"...if it means staying at home for the next few elections, so be it"

Reading is imperative before making a condescending statement.

[Name removed]

37. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[ProSense]

39. So this is grandstanding?

Do you really believe the President is going to change his agenda because someone decided not to give the DNC money?

[Raineyb]

40. No YOU are grandstanding. What the OP is doing is merely telling someone who is asking them for

money why they're not giving any. The OP has every right to it. He/She didn't go asking the DNC for money. The DNC asked him/her for money. The OP can make the statement any damn way he/she chooses.

The idea that someone can spit in your face then ask for money shows a rather ballsy sense of entitlement. The OP has clearly made it known that as far as education is concerned the party has spit in his or her face. Of course as you have never seen a policy that you couldn't make excuses for I don't expect you to understand that. All that rustling plastic must get make it hard to hear.

[ProSense]

41. "The OP has every right to it. " And by

posting it here, should expect comments from others whose opinions may vary. I have every right to my opinion. Agreed?

[Raineyb]

42. And I'm making my opinions known as well. I don't need your blessings to do so. And as

I don't go about trying to shout down anyone who says anything I don't like, your question would be better suited to someone else.

[ProSense]

44. "I don't go about trying to shout down anyone who says anything I don't like"

Yet here you are.

[Name removed]

45. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Name removed]

61. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Name removed]

68. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[daleanime]

74. That maybe the problem...

if they can't control the party, their very willing to break it. Why leave it around to work against their purposes.

[Raineyb]

89. Apparently. n/t

[daleanime]

97. Looking up at all the deletes....

It's apparently a problem not to be discussed?

[Raineyb]

98. I'm guessing it's not considered "sensible."

:shrug:

[daleanime]

99. Maybe some are....

professional enough to make use the rules, instead of simply following them?:shrug:

[Yuugal]

85. well said

[Mojorabbit]

101. +1000

[Raineyb]

88. That's right. I'm putting out my opinion whether you like it or not. I will not be shouted down

by the likes of you!

[bkozumplik]

73. try "obnoxious" on for size prosense. n/t

[Donnachaidh]

100. what a repuke-like tactic

Getting comfortable with fearmongering, eh?

[Dyedinthewoolliberal]

5. Right on!

:toast: :yourock:

[Catshrink]

6. Good job!

I plan to write in "Diane Ravitch" to send a message.

[Name removed]

12. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[EFerrari]

13. What is she running for?

[WillyT]

15. Wow... That Was Quick !!!

:wow:

:nuke:

[Catshrink]

17. No kidding!

[Reader Rabbit]

23. Okay, I'm dying of curiosity.

Can someone tell me what the deleted post said? If it's not fit for public consumption, maybe you could PM me?

[EFerrari]

28. It was just one of those "then you're voting for Palin" posts

by someone with a one post count.

[Reader Rabbit]

33. Odd, considering several people downthread are implying the same thing.

Maybe it's because they have high post counts or are not naming names?

[EFerrari]

34. Maybe the mods spotted a frequent flyer.

:)

[EFerrari]

20. Gunslingers!

:applause:

[golddigger]

16. Bravo!

[old mark]

18. My reply to theObama email was pretty similar, but I will vote for Democrats

and I am supporting Democratic candidates here in PA, but not a dime to the national organization...Let the DNC get money from the republicans - they seem to love them so much more that their own left...


mark

[EFerrari]

21. Local people can't control what comes out of DC.

It probably wouldn't hurt in the least to get more local all the way around.

[old mark]

30. Local elections many times have daily effect on all our lives..in the W. era,

I was so disgusted with the national Democrats that I concentrated on our state reps and senators and local elections...I have NEVER missed an election, no matter how "minor"-it was a chance to add a Democrat or remove a republican from office.


mark

[Bluenorthwest]

90. I too have never missed an election

Because they are all local, even the national elections are filled with local issues and candidates. Lots of talk about 'who is the base' of late, and there is only one definition of the base, The Base Are the People Who Always Vote. Those who have missed many elections are not the Base, and never will be the Base. The Base is constant, lifelong voters.

[FrenchieCat]

19. This is excellent!

Pat on the back for your activism in defeating Republicans. :applause:
This is amazingly forward thinking and unselfishly innovative!
I think if we all take your brilliant lead,
We most likely will realize super progressive legislation
that all Democrats can approve of 100% of the time by the year 2020! :patriot:

[liquid diamond]

43. These people are so damn proud of themselves aren't they?

They think things are bad now, but they are willing to indirectly aid republicans. How does that help their cause? Whether they like it or not the choice is between a democrat and republican. No amount of "intelligent" criticism is going to change that.

[Name removed]

46. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[bkozumplik]

75. our leaders are not immobile. they can change direction

If they see the base demanding something, they will give it. They will do exactly the percentage of the right thing they think they need to do to win. They will aim to squeak by with the 71% "C" grade.

Its up to us to define how we will grade them, and let them know they are on a path to getting an F, so they had better shape the F up.

You would just grade on a curve, so whatever they did they get a C. Thats not the way to get things done in Washington I think.

You act as though their behavior cant be influenced.

[cascadiance]

119. I think the key is that WE decide who gets supported... Not them!

I don't trust them throwing money to corporatist Blanche Lincoln, who I would NEVER want to support, but will throw money to those Demcorats that do the right thing like Dennis K., Alan G., etc, even if they aren't my direct representatives, as THEY are the voices that need to be built up to TAKE OVER from the corporatist leadership we have in the halls of the DNC, the DSCC, and the DCCC now!

[NorthCarolina]

107. Exactly what

"Super Progressive Legislation" have we seen these past 2 years with Dems controlling the White House, the House, and the Senate?

[prolesunited]

22. Yeah for you!

:sarcasm:

Want a cookie?

[Whisp]

25. o goody. you must feel so puffy proud. lol

and get educated yourself on the teachers and unions issues.

you get a big fat flying F for this poor report.

[proud2BlibKansan]

51. Do tell. What education is she lacking?

[Catshrink]

53. Oh you know...

the teachers' unions are eeeevvvviiiiiiilllllll.

[QC]

65. Teachers are enemies of the people.

[EFerrari]

29. How did we get to the point where we have to spell out

supporting teachers and unions. I can't wrap my head around it.

[PinkFloyd]

111. It's very simple

We got to this point because the Democrats in Washington are stupid and keep trying to follow the Republican's lead, even when they're in a minority. For instance, if the right started a campaign saying all puppies are evil and should be destroyed, Fox would pick it up and soon the GOP would...The really disturbing part is I bet by weeks end Gibbs and many Dems would be condemning puppies too. It's a ridiculous analogy but I feel it holds true in our time. IMO, they really need to read George Lakoff.

[ipaint]

131. For 30 years we've been told to vote the lesser of two evils.

And here we are. Repub lite and still moving right.

[bigwillq]

38. Awesome!

:bounce: :hi: :thumbsup:

[Name removed]

47. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Fumesucker]

48. Better make it three times as much..

I'm not giving them Jack either.

[liquid diamond]

56. I'll cover your donation. There aren't many of you people around.

Hahaha.

[Fumesucker]

57. Geometric growth can surprise you..

2 today, 4 tomorrow, 8 the next day, then 16 and so on..

It really doesn't take long for the numbers to get rather large.

[Name removed]

62. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Fumesucker]

64. The more Obama kowtows to the right the more liberals will see fit to criticize him..

I know it's not what you want to hear but it is the truth and you will have to deal with that.

Hopefully Robert Gibbs will keep speaking his mind and letting us know what the administration really thinks about liberals, he has been quite illuminating so far.

It's an interesting view of your psyche you give by equating criticism with hate.

That is the way authoritarians think, do you recall "Bush Derangement Syndrome"?

[myrna minx]

86. Again with the 'you people'.

:eyes:

[Bluenorthwest]

91. Constanly. 'You people' and 'these people' it is code speak

being used over and over again. Addressing an individual posters as if they were a group of people, in order to denigrate that person and that group.

[liquid diamond]

128. Yeah, you people on the fringe. You people that will never

be satisfied. You people that are never grateful. You people that Gibbs called out.

[myrna minx]

134. Not worth it. n/t

[Dr.Phool]

123. You better cover mine too.

I'm giving to 3 people this year. Kucinich, Grayson, and Sestak.

[Missy Vixen]

50. You might want to take out a loan

We'll be giving to the only local candidate that's shown to actually care about us: Sen. Patty Murray.

I can't WAIT to get a fundraising letter in the mail. :rubs hands together:

[Chan790]

67. They're going to need a mortgage.

I'm not giving the DNC one dime either.

[Raineyb]

93. Neither am I. n/t

[liquid diamond]

55. Ahahaha. n/t

[proud2BlibKansan]

52. Good for you

They took me off their mailing list in 2006 when I kept sending these fundraising requests back with a note telling them to impeach Bush and end the war.

[LWolf]

54. Glad to see it. nt

[stevenleser]

58. They say you get the government you deserve. And you are going to deserve Speaker Boehner and ...

whatever idiot the GOP nominate in 2012. The rest of us don't deserve it, but that's OK, we'll pay the price for people like you anyway.

[flyarm]

69. the PTB made that decision all by themselves, by fucking their base!

signed,

a Fucking Retard Druggie Professional Liberal.

Oh and a grandmother.

And retired lifelong Union Member.

[Dr.Phool]

126. Hey, Fly. Don't be greedy.

At least share some of those drugs.

[flyarm]

135. ahhh dang , I am off the juice now since being exposed by Gibbs!

but my brother could use some weed..since he is on Chemo! But we can't get that..the PTB have to much profit from illegal shit to boost up the Banks with laundering the big bucks and getting that Afghan poppy to market!

[Dr.Phool]

125. You forgot to threaten us with Palin too!

Gimme a break already.

[quinnox]

59. Nice reply

Unfortunately the Dem leaders and the Obama admin. seem to be having a never ending case of tone deafness to what the people want.

[meow mix]

60. rec

[Starry Messenger]

63. k & r

[BuelahWitch]

66. I told the woman from the DNC who called me the same thing

Looks like our numbers are growing. But will they catch a clue? I doubt it!

[Mojorabbit]

102. I told the fellow from the DNC the same thing too. nt

[Catherina]

70. Great answer. I'll use it from now on. n/t

[Capitalocracy]

76. You know, staying home doesn't send as powerful a message

as an organized voter boycott.

Not saying anything, just saying. I know it's not quite kosher to talk about those things here, but I think, for example, a voter boycott in Joe's district would be very appropriate.

[fascisthunter]

106. this is how democracy works though

you vote for who you believe will be a suitable representative.

[joshdawg]

77. So, if all who voted for the Democratic

candidate thought like you and sat out election after election, then guess which party would win election after election. Yeah, the republican/libertarian/tea-bagger party.
Do you really want that to happen?
I thought not.
Relax and stay Democratic. Continue to criticize and offer help, but keep voting Democrat.

Just a suggestion.

[old mark]

79. I have been voting only for Democrats since 1968 and have no plans to do otherwise, but the DNC

can kiss my ass. I AM contributing to our state democratric candidates, even candidates in other states - like Harry Reid - who are in tough races.

I will support democrats, not the organization that condemns me for being an old style liberal.

Some of you here need to read more and talk less.

mark

[Chan790]

83. ...

:applause:

I'm glad someone gets it. So very very few here do.

What happens if liberals win in some places the common knowledge says they couldn't and the milquetoast pragmatic center continues to lose races where it has failed to mount an issues or ideals campaign beyond fear of the RW boogieman? (The first, mind you, is potential. The second is a certainty with or without our money.)

The party lurches left.

I'm only supporting Democrats I can believe in and Democrats I want to support.

[flpab]

80. ditto!!

I did the same thing, wrote all sorts of remarks.

[mmonk]

81. That's one way to express yourself to tone deaf leaders.

[Vinca]

82. You've inspired me. I'm going to stop running the letters through the shredder.

:rofl:

[Drops_not_Dope]

87. Dang it

I meant to rec your thread but must of unrec'd so I'm

:kick: ING

[nightrain]

95. knr. yep. got the same letter and sent back a similar reply--

Their listed choices were facile, and I thought rating priorities from 1-14 was a terrible measure of priorities. I chose 5 issues and rated them all #1.

For me--No money, no volunteering, no voting for Blue Dogs or New Dems.

Blue Dogs and New Dems are pretty worthless in the overall scheme of things for me. Why let one get ensconced in a position which will take years to empty?! I have one of those rather worthless Senators, and a Rep. I'd rather wait for a progressive to enter the race in 2012 and fight like hell to support them.

It's not so much the count of "Dems" that matters, we've seen that the Blue Dogs and New Dems are not willing to support traditional Democratic values. They've been corrupted by money/contributions from lobbyists/corporations. I wouldn't trust them for near anything! I will make temporary alliances with those who have similar values who will fight for the same purpose.

[caraher]

114. I agree - the issue choices are lame

I did some write-ins myself... and some comments on what the choices mean (e.g. improving education means STOPPING Arne Duncan's Race to the Bottom)

[blaze]

116. I noticed health care wasn't an option

Must be all fixed now. :eyes:

[nightrain]

133. yep. I wrote in single payer... the questionnaire creators seem to think that

health care is finished. Hardly.

[caraher]

140. yep

Move along... we took care of that one!

[fascisthunter]

103. THAT'S Democracy in Action

deal with it politicians

[fascisthunter]

104. THAT'S Democracy in Action

deal with it politicians

[Stellar]

109. I'm angry at a lot of Dems and Pres Obama.

But I will never sit at home because I'm angry at the Dems. The party of 'NO' will not win with my help. That's walking right into Republican hands.

But giving the Dems money is another thing I haven't done for this election.

[crim son]

112. There are many Gibbs fans on DU

but I'm not one of them. Good for you!

[The Green Manalishi]

115. Pretty much the same here.

Not one cent until DADT is *GONE* and we are *OUT* if Afghanistan.

[cascadiance]

117. Mail a brick with that postage paid response too...

That will show them how much you feel they owe US and aren't delivering!

Unfortunately, I don't get too many more of these letters any more since I moved to Portland, and since I've long ago stopped donating to the DNC, the DSCC, and the DCCC. Still get their emails, but not snail mailers...

[judesedit]

118. A liberal or progressive that stays home due to Gibb's remark, ISN'T really a liberal or progressive

They are really republicans all along. To let this country go back to the dark ages, which is what will happen if the republicans gain power, is anything but liberal or progressive. It is acting like a spoiled brat holding his breath. Wake up fools! This is not a game. You don't get every single thing you want....at least not all at once. You work toward it. The idiot GOP mouthpieces are claiming they are going to repeal everything we've accomplished already. Can you imagine if it was more extreme???? All I can say is WAKE UP NOW BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE FOR ALL OF US!

[Dr.Phool]

127. Gibbs? Is that you?

I'm glad we have you to tell us who a true Scotsman, er Democrat is.

[flyarm]

137. + 1 MILLION!

[bertman]

121. REC. nt.

[Greyhound]

130. Good for you. Sorry it has to be thus.

Too late to recommend, but
:kick:

[flyarm]

136. For a year I have painted pennies with red nail polish and i mail them back..and say

NOT ANOTHER RED CENT FROM ME UNTIL YOU START ACTING LIKE DEMOCRATS!

[Greyhound]

138. ..

[LooseWilly]

139. This OP warms the cockles of my black heart...

:pals:

I especially feel gratified to know that I'm not the only one sending those back with vicious critiques in the comment box. ;)

I don't think I've gotten one since the shitting on the unions began... I think the administration was shitting on the LGBT community last time I got one... or maybe it was medical professionals in support of single payer?... You know how it goes, it can be tough to keep up with "who's being shitted upon now"... I'll have to echo your union and teacher criticism on the next one. :patriot: